Where to Watch the Sunrise and Sunset on Holden Beach, NC
Holden Beach is one of those places where you do not need a complicated plan to catch a good sunrise or sunset. The beach faces south, so the view changes through the year, and in the cooler months you can get some especially good color over the water.
Sunrise is easiest on the east end. For sunset, I like heading west and giving yourself room to walk until the view opens up.
Best Sunrise: The East End
For sunrise, I would start at the East End beach access at the end of McCray Street. It is a public access and an easy place to get onto the sand without wandering around looking for a spot before daylight.
Get there about 20 minutes before sunrise. Some mornings the best color happens before the sun clears the horizon, especially when there are a few clouds offshore.
If you are staying on the east side of the island, walking or riding over is usually easier than moving the car. If your rental has a nearby beach access, there is also nothing wrong with keeping it simple and watching from there.
Best Beach Sunset: Head West
For sunset from the beach, head west. The farther you go toward the west end, the more the shoreline opens up and the better the evening view gets.
PW440 at 917 Ocean Boulevard West is a public beach access with a bike rack and makes a useful west-side starting point. If you are driving, use a designated public parking area and walk or ride from there rather than counting on parking right at the far end.
This is one of the places where a bike actually makes the outing easier. You can ride west, lock up near a public access, walk onto the beach for sunset and ride back without moving the car.
The Beach Near Your Rental Is Still a Good Option
You do not need to make every sunrise or sunset an excursion. Holden Beach has a long, open shoreline, and most evenings I would use the beach access closest to the house unless I specifically wanted the west-end view.
Bring a chair, stay a few minutes after the sun drops and watch the color change. Low tide can be especially nice because the wet sand reflects the sky.
If you want to time the walk around the waterline, check our Holden Beach tide chart before you head out.
A Different Sunset: The Intracoastal Side
If you want something besides another ocean view, the Intracoastal side near the bridge gives you marsh, boats and the western sky together. It is a nice change of scenery and an easy option if you are already near the middle of the island.
A Few Local Tips
Partly cloudy skies usually give you more color than a perfectly clear horizon.
In fall and winter, bring an extra layer. It can feel noticeably cooler once the sun drops.
For sunrise, arrive before the sun comes up instead of right at sunrise. For sunset, stay at least 10 or 15 minutes after the sun disappears. The best color is often late.
Holden Beach has public accesses throughout the island, but use marked public walkways unless your rental gives you access to a private one. Parking rules can change, so use marked spaces and check the current signs where you park.
Keep It Simple
One of the best parts of Holden Beach is that you do not need much of a plan. Pick an end of the island when you want a different view, or walk out from the closest access when you do not. Either way, sunrise and sunset are an easy reason to spend another half hour outside.
For more local ideas while you are here, see our Holden Beach vacation guide.
If you need beach gear during your stay, our Holden Beach rentals are delivered directly to your vacation rental.
